Wednesday 31 July 2013

Vintage Women

Oh wow! Hart Larsson of PXL Creations has set my heart aflutter with two stunning vintage specialty skins. The first is Diva, available as a donation item at Love Donna Flora! I've seen several Marilyn inspired skins over the years but this is the very best of the bunch. I modded my eyes and lips a bit to look a little more like Marilyn, and added PXL Creations' OpenMouth teeth for the picture. The ring is a Donna Flora creation with a color change hud for the stone. There is more than one way to support Squinternet Larnia!

As for the second, I was lucky enough to receive a preview of PXL Creations' Kate Vintage skin for August's Collabor88 beginning August 8th. I can't decide whether I'm a 20's flapper or a 30's movie star. Whichever I am, I love it. The Lazuri ring is color change and available now as a donation item at Love Donna Flora!

Credits:

First pic
PXL Creations DIVA The Classic makeup (at Love Donna Flora!)
PXL Creations Diva eyebrows Shape 1
Donna Flora ARTURO ring
Baiastice_Giulia dress-metal gold (at Love Donna Flora!)
Dura-Girl 31(Strawberry)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1
PXL Creations OpenMouth PRO TEETH v1.3
Ploom. Lashes 6

Second pic
PXL Creations KATE Vintage "Red" makeup (soon at Collabor88)
PXL Creations KATE Vintage Standard Eyebrows (tattoo)
LeLutka - JOSEPHINE Hair - Bournville
Lazuri Maysoon Ring (at Love Donna Flora!)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1
Slink Mesh Lashes

Monday 29 July 2013

Rodvik and Me - A Strawberry Singh Meme

Mr. Rodvik Linden arrived at my sim with flair. It's only to be expected. He is the CEO of Linden Lab. I thought I'd show him around but I live on an adult sim. A quick perv at my neighbors through binoculars showed Friar Tyles teaching a women's naked aerobics class in an acid green mankini. Luckily, I don't think Mr. Linden had his draw distance high enough to notice. Goodness, those bouncing babes rez quickly with the new server side rendering!
I had promised Strawberry Singh to keep my time with Rodvik on a PG level so we wandered around for a bit, steering clear of aerobics. I wanted to stop for ice cream but Rodvik said he was watching his weight and thought he might be getting a belly. I told him he was flat as a board, but he was unconvinced. I suspect he was hinting to join the aerobics class, but I feigned ignorance. I didn't want Rodvik to get into trouble with his board of directors. Besides, he's a little stiff.

For those of you scratching your heads with confusion, this is Strawberry Singh's Flat Rodvik Linden Meme. Berry is nuttier than squirrel poop, and a lot more fun. You too can take your picture with the CEO of Linden Lab and join Berry's meme. Pick up your copy of Flat Rodvik Linden on the marketplace HERE. Make sure to follow Berry's meme instructions.

My poses (and the Police Call Box) are from Hopscotch. The binoculars pose in the second photo is available right now at the Liaison Collaborative pose event.  My dress and shoes are new releases from Beetlebones at its new location HERE.

Credits:

Rodvik - who knows! 
Mr. Linden, if you read this, check out Fatewear! 
You ought to be wearing nice materials enabled mesh since you brought it to the grid. 
Some mesh feet from SLink would look nice, too. Just a thought.

Me 

YS&YS Simoun Bangle
Beetlebones Calypso Tank Dress (BLACK) (New Release)
Beetlebones SUNANTHA SANDALS (New Release)
Clawtooth Hair - Behind the Curtain - Strawberry cream
Flat Rodvik Linden
Slink Mesh Feet (Av)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
Adam N Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Amber
Adam N Eve Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2

Saturday 27 July 2013

Bandana Day at Hair Fair 2013

Tomorrow is the last day of Hair Fair 2013 and there is a charming tradition observed by caring fashionistas and hair addicts all over the grid on that day. Take off your hair and wear a bandana from Hair Fair. Blog in a bandana, post a picture on Flickr wearing one, go clubbing in one. It's a reminder of what Hair Fair was about in the first place - to raise money for Wigs for Kids. You forgot to pick up a bandana at Hair Fair? There's still time. Here's a direct TP to a Bandana Booth. 100% of your $50 Linden bandana purchase goes to Wigs for Kids.

While Hair Fair is winding down, another fundraising event is still going strong, Love Donna Flora! My earrings are a donation item from Lazuri and they're color change for amazing versatility. See my previous blog post HERE for more information about the event.

Credits:

LeLutka - ALINA scarf (at Bandana Booths at Hair Fair)
LeLutka - HAIRBASE AuburnHaze
Lazuri Maysoon Earrings (at Love Donna Flora!) 
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - 05 F
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)

Friday 26 July 2013

Dancing In the Moonlight

Harlow Heslop has a blog challenge going called Blog the Beat, where the blogger's inspiration is a song. I really liked Harlow's photo this week and the song was upbeat and happy. So I thought I'd give the challenge a shot. I've always meant to attempt a moon photo.

OOPS! As I went back to link to Harlow's blog I noticed we're wearing the same dress! Oh well, we both have the good taste to wear the new Baiastice Giulia dress that is currently available at the Love Donna Flora! event.

Here's Dancing In the Moonlight by King Harvest.

Other Credits:

LeLutka - LORELLA hair and floral wreath - AuburnHaze (at Hair Fair 2013)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Chocolate Lips MEB C2 (FR)
PXL Creations JADE NAT TopLine Eyes (tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Eyebrows: Red (tattoo)
SLink eyelids - photo prop
Slink Mesh Hands (av)

Thursday 25 July 2013

Love Donna Flora - Open Now


You've been waiting patiently and now it's here. Love Donna Flora! is a fundraising event that honors the work and Second Life of Squinternet Larnia, inspired vintage designer behind the store, Donna Flora. Designers across the grid have donated their own work for us to buy. Proceeds go in part (and in many cases in full) to aid Squinternet as she battles cancer.

My Les Petit Details gown (top pic), Amacci updo (orchids included) and Miamai dress with a shiny bow (bottom pic) are some of the offerings from this event, as are the Butterfly pose and prop from Uncertain Smile and the Lulu pose from oOo Studios. Here's your taxi.

Credits:

LpD - *Flora* Dress Pink
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
UNCERTAIN SMILE -  BUTTERFLIES
LeLutka -POCAHONTAS hair - IrishRed
PXL Creations JADE NAT Fade Lips MEB C2 (FR)
PXL Creations JADE NAT MetalWine Eyes (tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Eyebrows: Red (tattoo)

(Bottom pic)
Donna Flora RAVESC ring blush
Mandala Simple Ears HUTUU
Amacci Hair Flowers ~ Orchids
Amacci Hair Daphne ~ Light Copper (at Love Donna Flora)
Miamai Giulia Monochrome dress (at Love Donna Flora)
Pure Poison - Butterfly Earrings
Slink Classic Pointed Pumps Black
Slink Mesh Feet (Av)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - 11 F
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Checking Off the Bucket List

Strawberry Singh's challenge of the week was to share our Second Life bucket lists. I love these challenges. It makes me think about what I'm doing, how I feel about things, and what I want. But I have to admit that I'm stumped by the bucket list challenge. Second Life has always been, for me, a big bucket list check-off playground. If there were things I haven't done since 2007 that I wanted to do, I'm either repressing them or I'm doing Second Life wrong.
  1. Explore my kinky side. (check)
  2. Build my own house. (check)
  3. Open a shop. (check)
  4. Be a medieval princess. (check)
  5. Dress like a supermodel. (check)
  6. Dance like a pop star. (check)
  7. Meet an SL friend in real life. (check)
  8. Blog about Second Life. (check)
  9. Ski, surf, and skydive. (check)
  10. Be a part of a Second Life community. (ongoing)
OH WAIT! HOLD THE PRESSES! I just now thought of one. I want to learn how to make movies in Second Life!

Well, there we go. My bucket list of one item.

One more plug for the Love Donna Flora! fundraising event that starts tomorrow. There are fabulous things to buy there that will aid Squinternet Larnia - Donna Flora's owner and designer - as she faces cancer. My earrings, ring, and necklace are all from Donna Flora. My hand is from SLink, ear from Mandala, hair from Truth and skin is Cleo from Glam Affair.


Monday 22 July 2013

Love Donna Flora - It's About Style

The Love Donna Flora! event begins July 25th and runs through August 11th. I wrote about it earlier in THIS POST. This event brings creators and shoppers together to support one of Second Life's most beloved creators, Squinternet Larnia, in her time of great challenge as she fights cancer. Here's a glimpse at one generous creator's lovely peacock inspired furniture grouping specifically for the event, the Donna Flora Pavone set by Kaerri. My jewelry is, of course, Donna Flora. Remember, you don't have to wait for the event to show your love to Donna Flora. Shop at her new store location today.

Credits:

PXL Creations skin JADE NAT PleaseMe Lips MEB C2 (FR) (Just Released!)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Pink Eyes (tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Eyebrows: Red (tattoo)
Donna Flora RAVESC earrings blush
Donna Flora RAVESC necklace blush
Donna Flora RAVESC ring blush
ISON - Leighton Hair (at Hair Fair)
Maitreya Mini Skirt * Vivid Leather Seashell
Tee*fy Ana Slouchy Satin Tank Teal
Slink Classic Pointed Pumps Black
Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Toes
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Pose by Alterior Motions (not yet released)

Saturday 20 July 2013

Photo Safari

I'm on a photo safari with 22769's new releases for The Liaison Collaborative Boutique. I especially love the wraparound silk scarf top and the bangles. I'm also quite taken with PXL Creations' new Jade skin with its wide range of customizing choices on tattoo layers.  I'm wearing a freckled version of the skin with several fun makeup, eyebrow and mole tattoos! And of course, PXL Creation skins have optional appliers for our SLink hands and feet.

Credits:
 
PXL Creations JADE NAT Bare Lips MEB C2 (FR) (New Release)
PXL Creations Moles Light (Tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE NAT TopLine Eyes (tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE LipGloss #2 (tattoo)
PXL Creations JADE NAT Eyebrows: Red (tattoo)
22769 ~ [femme] Safari Bangles (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
22769 ~ [femme] Safari Silk Top Desert (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
22769 ~ [femme] Safari Skirt Desert (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
Donna Flora ARTURO ring
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
LeLutka - JOLIE RM hair - AuburnHaze
MANDALA]SIMPLE_EARS_HUTUU
What Next Pop-Shot Camera Pose and Prop

Friday 19 July 2013

I Can Walk In These Shoes

This post wouldn't have happened if Clay Cowen hadn't pointed out a series of Jimmy Choo shoe ads that made him think of me - a redhead with a shoe obsession. I passed the link on to Aprilmae Devin who made some very nice sitting poses (not yet released) for her store, Alterior Motions - some inspired by the ads. All I needed was a new pair of shoes and the Gos Boutique Lauren d'Orsay shoes at The Liaison Collaborative Boutique were the clear winners.

Botanicals is at Collabor88 this month with a romantic ruin that makes a terrific backdrop for photos. I of course had to snatch it right up.

Credits:

Baiastice Iman top-vanilla (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
Decoy Hair Hannah - Copper Red (at Hair Fair)
Gos Boutique - Lauren d'Orsay - Truffle Collection (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
Mon Tissu Cotton Pants ~ Khaki
Glam Affair - Lulu ( America ) 02 C (at Collabor88)
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Marnie and Dulcina

I've been wearing a new skin for the last few days and every day I think I like it better than the day before. And I liked it a lot the day before! It's Marnie, a new release from Adam N Eve Skins. The face is lovely, the lips are kissable and of course the SLink hand and feet appliers are flawless. There are three eyebrow color choices, a dimple tattoo and the most adorable freckles on a tattoo layer.

I'm also loving all of Lelutka's new fantasy hair releases for Hair Fair 2013. Dulcina is the name of this fluffy short do. It comes with a detachable star clip for a bit of elegance. HERE is a SLurl to drop you right in front of the Lelutka booth.

Credits:

LeLutka - DULCINA hair - AuburnHaze (at Hair Fair)
Adam N Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Amber (new release)
Adam N Eve Skins Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Donna Flora ARTURO ring
Baiastice Zoroaide Mesh Maxi Dress-Mono-white glass
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual Left
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right
Pose by Del May

Monday 15 July 2013

Take Another Little Piece of My Heart - A Strawberry Singh Meme

Strawberry Singh posted her Monday Meme today, more questions. She's nosy that way. I told her on Plurk that I'd post my response as soon as I figured out which of my MANY new hairs to wear. I honestly look forward to these memes or challenges, whatever you want to call them. Through these exercises, some frivolous, some not so much, I think I've revealed who I am behind my avatar. I've been leaving pieces of my heart on the pages of my blog, so my choice of hair was a given - Exile's Piece of My Heart from Hair Fair 2013. I even tried to give myself a Janis Joplin vibe!

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers into your post. Delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment in Berry's post!
  1. How do you deal with criticism? It depends on whether I've solicited a critique or not, and who is criticizing me. When I was building, Aprilmae Devin would turn a critical eye on my builds and make constructive comments to improve my build. She was usually right, and though I'd moan and grumble about the extra work, I would end up with a better build. We all need someone like April to keep us from getting lazy. Occasionally criticism comes out of the blue and I'm not as receptive to that kind, especially from people I don't know well. It doesn't happen often enough for me to have to develop a coping strategy, though.
  2. What’s the most infuriating thing other SL residents do? I sometimes get a vibe from certain people that they see most of us like a gamer's NPC - non player character. The rest of us exist solely on the screen for their amusement. I think that is a big source of rudeness in SL and it drives me bonkers.
  3. Which SL resident would you most like to have lunch with and why? Oh gosh, since Ayla Barzane and I live on different continents it would be such a miracle if we could sit down to big salad together. Aprilmae Devin should be there, too. I'd make them both drink iced tea. We'd have the best time even though I'd have to listen to them rage about people who would ice tea!
  4. Who would you say is your “anti” role model? Someone who serves as a warning rather than an inspiration? I might not have been able to think of an answer to this if it hadn't happened just today. A male roleplayer sends me IM's out of the blue setting up a roleplay scenario. Not "Hi Dolly, how are you? Do you want to roleplay? Here's what I'm thinking..." but just sending the IM with the first paragraph of roleplay. He's been doing this a few times a month for almost a year and it's always the same line of roleplay! I used to politely decline, but now I just click out of the IM. Maybe it works on some, but for me it's a real turn off.
  5. What was something you used to enjoy, but was ruined for you? Mesh ruined my prim building! I keep thinking that one of these days I'll learn to build in mesh, but so far I've been too lazy.
  6. What’s something you want to do that you’d be embarrassed to tell other people about? I'm so easily embarrassed by my desires that the list would be too long to post. ;-P
  7. What’s the oddest term of endearment you’ve ever used or that someone’s used for you? I'm hoping that when Ayla calls me "Doolally Dolly" she means it affectionately.
  8. Have you ever fallen in love with another SL resident? Yes, both romantically and the friend sort of love. SL is amazing that way.
  9. Describe a time/event in your slife that you’re nostalgic for. I get nostalgic for the now gone roleplay sim where I met most of my closest friends in Second Life. It's been gone for two or three years and we've moved on, but I still occasionally miss it.
  10. What’s something sweet you’d like someone to do for you? Take me exploring. There are still so many fantastic places to see in SL. 
Credits: 

Bilo - Wild Tunic Zebra Frank (at Liaison Collaborative Boutique)
Dark Mouse glasses - Roundeye - John (on Marketplace)
Exile Piece of My Heart Natural Fusion 2 (at Hair Fair)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Maxi Gossamer - Necklace - Peace Rocker
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right
Slink Mesh Hands (av) Victory Left
Adam n Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Bare (new release)
Adam n Eve - Freckles
Adam n Eve Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2

Sunday 14 July 2013

Hair Fair 2013 - Fashionably Dead


Hair Fair 2013 has cute-as-can-be casual hair at Fashionably Dead. The styles I'm showing include a bun or pigtail/ponytail choice in both packs. Moon has a removable color change hat and Jupiter has a hud to change the colors of the flowers. HERE is the SLurl to teleport directly to the Fashionably Dead booth at Hair Fair.

Don't forget that you're shopping not only for hair but to raise money for the charity, Wigs for Kids.
 
Credits:

(Top Pic)
Fashionably Dead Luna Hat (click to change textures) (at Hair Fair)
Fashionably Dead Moon Pigtails - Brunette 5 (at Hair Fair)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
The Secret Store - Elsa Ruffle Shirt - Sunflower (at Collabor88)
Adam N Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Bare
Adam N Eve Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2
Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore, w3)

(Bottom Pic)
Fashionably Dead Jupiter Ponytail - Brunette 5 (at Hair Fair)
Fashionably Dead Skater Dress -  Orange S
Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu
Yummy Winter Flower Earring - Silver
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore, w3)
Adam N Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Amber
Adam n Eve - Freckles
Adam N Eve Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2

Saturday 13 July 2013

Hair Fair 2013 Is Open

Hair Fair 2013 is open and runs through July 28th. You've joined the Hair Fair 2013 Demo Group (Inworld:  Search > Groups > Hair Fair DEMO Group >  Join!), tried on a bazillion demos and decided on 50 or so must have hairs. Strip off your scripted items and enjoy the brightly colored Lego styled build. Remember you're shopping for a good cause -Wigs for Kids. At least 15% of every hair pack goes to charity.

Here's a new-to-me hair designer, Kumii Yoshikawa, whose new store is called Eaters Coma. Teleport directly to Eaters Coma at Hair Fair HERE. I paired my fabulous new locks with the new release Adam N Eve skin, Marnie. Damn I feel pretty!

Credits:

Adam N Eve Skins - Marnie T2 Amber (new release)
Adam n Eve - Freckles
Adam N Eve Marnie Eyebrow Tattoo Red T2
Eaters Coma - HAIR 27 / Light Mocha (at Hair Fair)
Cracked Mirror Slip Dress (blue)
Kunglers Gaia Copper Necklace
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore)


Friday 12 July 2013

Hair Fair Begins Tomorrow!

There are some gorgeous new releases from my favorite hair designers for Hair Fair 2013. There are also beautiful hair releases from new-to-me designers, and designers not usually known for hair. See these two styles from Ison in the photos above. Who knew Ison could make fabulous clothes, shoes AND hair?

Go HERE to join the Hair Fair 2013 Demo Group and check out the new styles lag free in your favorite location before you head out to the event tomorrow. Designers are already sending out demos, so make sure to check notices when you join! I've been like a kid in a candy store buying hair and will definitely be sharing my favorites with you.

Kids are exactly what Hair Fair is about. At least 15% of every hair pack sold is donated to Wigs for Kids. For over 30 years, this organization has provided hair replacement and support for children who have lost their hair due to medical issues at no cost to children or their families. Wigs for Kids helps children suffering from hair loss look more like themselves, providing a boost of confidence that often aids in the healing process itself.

I'll post again tomorrow with SLurls to Hair Fair 2013! 

Credits:

ISON - Heidi (at Hair Fair 2013)
ISON - hairbase (reds 01) (included)
Tres Blah Frilly Dress - Rosey (at Collabor88)
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze)
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - 01 F

ISON - Leighton (at Hair Fair 2013)
ISON - Leighton (red roots) -tintable- (included)
Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu
Yummy Midsummer Blossom Earrings - Egg Shell (at Collabor88)

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Forgetting

The hardest thing about Strawberry Singh's meme/challenge this week is admitting to myself what I fear. The second hardest thing is putting it into words and pictures, and the third hardest thing is to make it public. My deepest fear is that I may someday look into a mirror and have no idea who is looking back.

My gentle beautiful mother died of Alzheimer's disease, as did all three sisters and three brothers. One sister was in her early fifties when she was diagnosed. My mother was in her early sixties. It's a horrible disease of forgetting in the earlier stages - not a gentle befuddlement, but a forgetting filled with psychotic fears. Imagine waking up in your own bed day after day and having no idea where you are, who the people around you may be, what you are supposed to do, how you are supposed to communicate. It broke my heart to see my mother's descent into a living nightmare. Toward the end she cried out my name constantly without knowing what the name meant to her, or who I was when I tried to comfort her.

There is genetic testing for Alzheimer's, and I have discussed it with my doctor. But he is reluctant to recommend that I have the testing for mere peace of mind. He knows that for some people there are things worse than death. So I live my life, locking away my fear as we all must do, rarely examining it.

I tend to keep things light in this blog, and I wish I could tell a funny story about forgetting, but I can't minimize this fear yet. Later I'll take a deep breath and lock it back away.  Maybe I should have claimed to have a fear of spiders.


Monday 8 July 2013

Even the Zombie Apocalypse Has Rainbows

Last night I finished a week long marathon of The Walking Dead and set about musing about my lack of skills to face the zombie apocalypse. I really need to learn archery, how to hotwire a car, and advanced spot removal for example.

There's no reason not to have a cute haircut and outfit for the occasion, although I recommend staying away from dryclean only items. I had most of this look put together yesterday, then July Collabor88 opened this morning and provided me with the perfect sleeveless denim jacket from Fashionably Dead. Even the zombie apocalypse has rainbows, right?

Credits:

Fashionably Dead Denim Vest - Rainbow Gold (at Collabor88)
Fashionably Dead Bossy Boots - Wingtip Teal
Fashionably Dead Bossy Boots Socks - Gray (Large)
Erratic / cary - double tank / lime-turquoise
Maitreya Zipper-Skinny Jeans Dirty
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
tram  C407 hair / maroon (size40)
Izzie's - Jill Skin pale RB (new release)
HopScotch - Pose and Props

Saturday 6 July 2013

Love Donna Flora - We Can Help

I remember the first time I went to Donna Flora. April and I were mad for 20's vintage clothing and hair, so we were scouring search with words like "roaring 20's" and "flapper" and other terms. Of course we found Donna Flora, and I spent HOURS there, looking and buying. The jewelry looks like something you would find in the estate jewelry section of the very finest jewelry store. Her attention to period detailing was and still is unmatched in Second Life.

I never met Squinternet Larnia, the creator behind Donna Flora, but through Cajsa Lilliehook's posts and updates, I knew about Squinternet's fight with cancer since late 2011. She had overcome her prognosis for over a year, but her cancer is back and she hasn't been able to release recently.  According to Cajsa, "Her income from SL has dropped to just enough to maintain her sim. In characteristic Second Life fashion, the community that makes SL what it is has come together to throw a fundraiser for her to help defray her  expenses. While Italy has national health insurance, she must finance any alternative therapies and much of her home nursing care."

Love Donna Flora, the fundraising event, starts July 25th and run through August 11th. Designers will create one item for sale at 100% and can sell additional times that they can split with a 50%, 75% or 100% donation. There will be donation jars available soon for merchants, DJ's and others who want to help. See more details HERE.

Of course, another way to help is to go to Donna Flora and shop. Saffron Foxclaw started a blogger challenge called Bare All for Breast Cancer. The challenge is to showcase one of Squinternet's beautiful creations in a breast baring way. Join in. Post your picture to the Flickr group HERE and post to your blog if you have one. I may have chickened out of full frontal, but I've got the spirit of the challenge wearing the Kristabel set of necklace, earrings and gorgeous statement ring, and nothing else.

Credits:

Donna Flora Kristabel earrings
Donna Flora Kristabel necklace
Donna Flora Kristabel ring
Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
TRUTH HAIR Colbie - Gingers01
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - Clean F

Friday 5 July 2013

My New Favorite Colors

Earlier today I went to the big Maitreya sale (50% off my favorite mesh clothes) and declared my favorite color to be fatpack. Then I went to the Men's Dept event and decided my favorite color scheme is black and white due to this fabulous line art print cube chair from Bauwerk. The amazing lamp (an instant new fave in my inventory) and the side table are also from Bauwerk and available at the Home Show.

Credits:

Maitreya Leather Skinny Pants Pearl
Maitreya Mignon Top Turquoise
Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Aged Bronze, w3)
Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Toes
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
TRUTH HAIR Colbie - Gingers01
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - Clean F
LeLutka - HAIRBASE IrishRed
Mandala Simple Ears - Hutuu
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)


Thursday 4 July 2013

Noob on a Budget - A Cinderella Story

It struck me that it might be fun to challenge myself to go from Noob to something approaching fabulous on a budget. I decided $2,500 Lindens, or about $10 USD, was a realistic but challenging budget goal. I didn't make a new account, I used my alt, Callie. She has less inventory for me to add to (and fewer Lindens so I'm not tempted to cheat). If it helps any noobies that may be looking for tips, I'll be happy.

I started by stripping Callie down and looking in the default avatars for something to suit her. We ended up using the Female Dancer avatar, mostly because she's blonde and Callie is such a blonde princess. I haven't looked in the default avatars for years, and Female Dancer was cuter than I expected. 

If she were really a noob, the next thing I'd advise would be to give Callie a nice first and last display name so she's not called "iduunowhatever69 Resident." Trust me, it's a cultural thing in Second Life. To learn how to change your display name, scroll down to Setting or Changing Your Display Name on this page of Second Life's Knowledge Base.

I've forgotten a lot about being a noob. Things are definitely better than I remember, but that silly duckwalk is still there. So the next step to shedding noob status is to get an Animation Overrider hud, commonly known as an AO. Body Language by Sweet Lovely Cute had some adorable AO's but they were beyond Callie's budget at $1400 to $1700 Lindens. Henimations was the next stop, but the AO's there were even pricier. She finally found a very basic AO priced at $190 at a place called Hijao, but ever hopeful, she passed on that and moved on to Vista Animations. Vista Animations actually had a basic older AO that I liked for $200 Lindens called Supasexy. Nothing fancy, but the transitions were smooth and Callie has no more duck walk. She bought it, added the hud and she was on the way to shedding her noob look.

We went to The Dressing Room Fusion. It's a bi-weekly sale event featuring some great designers. There are usually a couple of great female skins there for $70 Lindens. At this round there were four skins, but two of them didn't offer demos (what's with that?). That's no good for an avatar on a budget, so we focused on the two that did offer demos (they're free to demo). We also picked up a bra and panties there from Cynful, also $70 lindens so Callie could try on demos without baring absolutely all of herself. That's when I found out the default avatar's leotard and tights were part of the skin. OOPS! The bra and panties were not a strictly essential purchase. There are clothes in Library that will cover you, but not nearly as cute!

From there we went to Collabor88, a monthly sale event. Callie wanted to demo the Glam Affair skin, but unfortunately couldn't find the demos for it. They may have been there and not rezzed, I don't know. Glam Affair has always done demos before. It's a lovely skin for $288, but again, avatar on a budget! No demo for skin, hair, or mesh clothing, no buy. She did pick up a cute mesh tee from Tee*fy for $88 Lindens and the D!va Mimi hair for $188 Lindens. Normally I'd avoid a hair with a scarf in it for an avatar on a budget since it won't work with every look, but D!va hair has a script to make the accessories invisible so it's like having two hairs!

She headed back to The Dressing Room Fusion and bought the Essences Whisper skin for $70 Lindens. It's a lovely skin and quite a bargain.

One more thing before an update picture. Eyes. I hate the default avi eyes. So off to my favorite eye store, Mayfly. We lucked out there with a group gift set of mesh eyes! Callie messed around with her avatar's face until it suited her, then she posed for a picture.


Quite a difference from the noob picture, although she's only got undies and default avatar shoes below the waist. So, how much has Callie spent so far? I think she's done rather well.

AO - $200 L
Skin - $70 L
Hair - $188 L
Undies - $70 L
T-Shirt - $88 L
Total (so far): $616 L

So it's time for a splurge. Callie needs two items for the basis of a casual look - jeans and shoes. Because coldLogic is a great women's mesh clothing store with reasonable prices, we headed there and picked up a pair of skinny jeans for $300 Lindens. For shoes I decided an investment was called for. Callie got the SLink medium enhancement feet for $675 Lindens, then back to Collabor88 to pick up Ingenue's slingback pumps that fit them for $188. The skin applier from Essences match the feet flawlessly to the legs for $150. 

I finally allowed Callie to finish the body shape changes. Using the standard sizing guidelines, she adjusted the sliders that make standard sizing work to the medium size. Then she went back and played with the other sliders until she was happy with her look.


 Here's where we are now:

Prior total - $616 L

Jeans - $300
Feet - $675
Appliers - $150
Shoes - $188

New total - $1,929

Hmm. Barely enough for the SLink hands at $400 Lindens and the hand appliers at $150 Lindens, or enough for some nice accessories, or maybe a dress for a change, but not all of them. What to choose?

Although this is my challenge to figure out what it takes to take an avatar from noob to fabulous, I appreciate any comments or suggestions as to your way to do it. Also, if a new Second Life person actually does come across this post and has questions, feel free to contact me, Dolly Baroque, in world or in comments below.

Credits:

D!va Hair "Mimi" (Type A)(Rhodolite) (at Collabor88)
Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Borealis, w3) (group gift)
Tee*fy Basic Knot T-Shirt Pink (at Collabor88)
Essences - Whisper Goth Sunkissed *Blonde* (at The Dressing Room Fusion)
coldLogic jeans - calle.01
Ingenue :: Lydia Slingbacks :: Blush (at Collabor88)
Slink Mesh Feet (Av Enhance)

Tuesday 2 July 2013

Meet My Friend, Friar Tyles


I have known Friar Tyles on a couple of other avatars longer than anyone else on my active friend list in Second Life, although I don't see him nearly as often as I'd like to. He makes me giggle about 90% of the time. The other 10% he spends flirting. Actually, that usually makes me giggle too, but in a good way. He has a few faults, one of which being that he doesn't know the difference between aqua and turquoise, or either of them and green. He's also forever getting himself in absurd roleplay situations.

Friar warned me before getting together for this photo shoot that he knows nothing about fashion. That might be true, but he's an expert at putting together the perfect costume for a roleplay character. I steered him toward the new Truth cowboy hat hair and told him the rest was up to him.

Friar: Got me a hat. It's ten gallon, but I'm still pleased to see you.

Me: And if I want something bigger?

Friar: Then you'll need to wear that maid outfit. What colour do you want the hat?

Me: What you have is fine if you like it.

Friar: Its a cowboy hat, Dolly. It's taking all my faculties not to slap on a handlebar moustache and my ass-less leather pants and do the YMCA.

So begins the interview.



Me: So, Friar, I've known you longer than anyone else on my friend list that is still in Second Life, I think, before your current avi, even. What keeps you coming back to SL?

Friar: Wow - firstly i can't believe you had the mental strength and patience to retain me on the list for that long. The people - old friends and the folks you haven't met before and randomly strike up a conversation with. I just love the lunatics out there that do and say things that make me sit and actually LOL.

Me: If your avatar had a mind of its own, what do you think it would say to you? (totally cribbed this question from Strawberry Singh)

Friar:  Please stop - haven't you done enough to me already! Either that or - Man i really know how to rock leather pants with no ass in them.

Me: Tell me a guilty secret about yourself, but maybe not your guiltiest, because this is totally going on the internet.

Friar: I smell underwear in charity clothing stores...just kidding! Some of the sims and groups that I have frequented have purely been to observe the crazies that exist in them. I adore fishing for these specimens. It's probably a little shameful...kind of like a virtual version of the movie "Dinner for Schmucks"

Me: What's the silliest roleplay you've ever taken part in? Was it the Bumble bee one?

Friar: Ah yes...the bumble bee one..probably one of my most imaginative roleplays. I sometimes wonder how i came up with doing a jail break using bees.  I have done a text only role play with a friend where we were two cows in a field chewing the cud. All the speech was in moo's with plenty of strong emoting - great fun and utterly pointless.

Me: This is your chance to introduce yourself to an all new group of hot SL women. How will you put your best foot forward?

Friar: I'll choose my left for a start as that's my favourite....then break out the mankini. I haven't met anyone yet that doesn't like the mankini...except maybe that one time in Gor ;-)

Credits:

On Friar

[ h ] Jeans - Regular - HighRise  w/Sculpts - Black Belt
Kal Rau Plaid Shirt M3_Mesh_Tee 01
TRUTH HAIR Jack - Black&Whites04
REDGRAVE 03  Tan Skin -Cruz- /3daybeard 

On Dolly

Cracked Mirror Bounty Jean Skirt (Light Blue) (at FaMeshed)
Cracked Mirror Layered Tank (pink/blue) (at FaMeshed)
Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Toes
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
Slink Tri-Colour Wedges Multipack
TRUTH HAIR Jill - Gingers01Fade
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - Clean F

Monday 1 July 2013

Home Show Goodies from Digs

The Home Show is a new home and garden event that just opened and will last until the end of July. It takes up two sims and is filled with top notch designers' new and exclusive releases. Digs' new releases include an interesting casual living room grouping called Ferryside. The table, tray,  sofa, matching chair, and lamps are all part of the grouping. Everything has texture changes for easy customization. Also shown is the Ryker bentwood slatted chair, the Healy ottoman, and in the next photo is the Emmet desk and possibly the best desk chair in Second Life (not because it's naughty, because it's exactly what I want for my real life desk chair).


I added plants from Dutchie and a rug and wall art from Trompe Loeil to round out the room. HERE is your taxi to the Home Show. It sets you down right by Digs and What Next on the second sim.